Bengaluru startup launches WhatsApp-based ‘No-App’ solution to tackle delayed payments

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Gone are the days when apps solved every problem for digital consumers! A startup in Bengaluru has introduced a new WhatsApp-based platform aimed at solving one of the most persistent financial challenges faced by businesses as well as individuals worldwide — delayed repayments.

The solution, called Lenda, is designed to help all digital consumers and businesses automate payment reminders and track collections without requiring borrowers to download any additional application.

The innovation attains significance amid delayed payments continuing to trap trillions of dollars globally, placing immense strain on the cash flow of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as individual lenders.

In India alone, stagnant business capital due to unpaid dues is estimated at around ₹7.34 lakh crore. The Bengaluru-based startup believes its “ no-app” approach could significantly reduce this problem by simplifying the process of payment follow-ups.

The platform operates entirely within WhatsApp, making it accessible to users without requiring them to install or learn new software.

Lenda sends interactive WhatsApp messages that allow borrowers to respond instantly by choosing from several options — confirming payment, requesting more time through a calendar-based rescheduling feature, or raising a dispute if there is an issue with the transaction details.

Renjith Thomas, co-founder of the platform, says the idea behind Lenda was to remove the friction and discomfort often associated with repeatedly reminding payers to settle dues.

“Lenda is a WhatsApp-native fintech platform designed to eliminate the friction of payment collections for small businesses, freelancers, and educators.

“By leveraging the ubiquity of WhatsApp, Lenda automates the ‘awkward’ follow-up process,” Renjith said in a statement to the media.

“As of today, small businesses lack access to automated reminder solutions. Existing reminder systems are largely noninteractive, often requiring the payers to contact the businesses directly if they need to request additional time or reschedule payments,” he adds.

The startup has also introduced a success-based pricing model. Users are billed only when payments are successfully collected, with charges based on the number of reminders sent.

Lenda aims to position itself as the world’s first utility service dedicated to payment reminders, similar to essential services such as electricity, water, telephone and internet connectivity, where customers are billed on the basis of monthly usage.

Moreover, Lenda enables reminder creators to set late fees for overdue payments. If a reminder recipient misses the agreed deadline, the system can automatically calculate and apply the late fee, encouraging timely payments while compensating businesses for delays.

By combining automation with the widespread use of WhatsApp, the startup hopes to streamline payment collections and improve cash flow for millions of small businesses.

Niraj Gupta, a digital transformation leader and fintech entrepreneur focusing on Southeast Asian markets, says the approach remains quite practical. “What stood out to me was the focus on making payment follow-ups more structured, less awkward, and easier to manage for businesses.

“If executed well, tools like this can solve a very real operational pain point while helping maintain better customer relationships. Wishing the team the very best as they grow this further.”

Sooraj Babu, known online as Artoholiq (@artoholiq), is a popular artist, designer, and content creator recognised for his paintings, illustrations, and Instagram reels.

One of the first users of Lenda, Sooraj says he has now discovered a useful tool that helps him recover money owed to him. “Now the best part is that you don’t even need to install another app, since it works smoothly right inside WhatsApp, which makes it very convenient.

“Lenda is simple, innovative, and genuinely useful, and it’s already making my life easier. The Lenda score concept is also quite impressive, as it encourages people to be more financially responsible without feeling forced from outside.”